Effect of Caneplex on Growth, Yield and Quality of Sugarcane

Efficacy of Caneplex, a micronutrient combina tion of c alcium, magnesium, molybdenum, manganese, zinc, copper, iron and sulphur, was tested during spring planting season in three consecutive years-2005-06, 2006–07 and 2007–08, on growth, yield and quality of sugarcane at the research farm of UP. Council of Sugarcane Research, Shahjahanpur (UP.) using the variety CoS 97264. Application of Caneplex enhanced the germination, shoot population, NMC and consequently the yield of sugarcane. The results showed that the germination was significantly increased by the application of Caneplex @ 25 or 30kg/ha as basal whereas top dressing of the same doses did not affect the germination significantly. Application of Caneplex @ 25 or 30kg/ha as basal followed by the same amount as top dressing showed significant increase in germination by about 4–5% over untreated control. Application of Caneplex @ 25 or 30 kg/ha as basal followed by the same amount of Caneplex as top dressing increased the shoot population and number of millable canes significantly as compared to control. The cane yield was marginally increased due to the application of Caneplex as basal or top dressing alone, the basal application being slightly better. A significant increase in cane yield was recorded after application of Caneplex @ 25 or 30 kg/ha as basal followed by the same amount of Caneplex as top dressing. Sucrose percent in juice at 10^th month crop age was not affected significantly by the application of Caneplex at any dose under various treatments. Conclusively, the application of Caneplex @ 25 or 30 kg/ha as basal followed by the same amount of Caneplex as top dressing increased the cane yield significantly, however, Caneplex did not show significant effect on the cane quality (sucrose percent) at any dose under various methods ofapplication.